Global trends of positive deviance research in public health: A bibliometric analysis (1976-2024).

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The positive deviance approach is a community-based strategy that promotes behavioral and social change to improve health outcomes and demonstrates effectiveness even in resource-limited settings. Although the number of scientific studies on positive deviance has increased, comprehensive quantitative assessments of its overall trends remain lacking. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to analyze global trends and key themes in positive deviance research within public health over the past 50 years (1976-2024).

Methods

We used data from Scopus and Web of Science, examining publications including the term "positive devian*" alongside "public health" or "community health." The analysis covered articles and reviews published from 1976 to 2024. Additionally, we

SUBMITTER: Mizutani M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268685 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature